External review finds strengths in special‑education supports, recommends EC leadership team and MTSS improvements

Global Special Education Associates (GSEA) conducted a program review for Columbus County Schools and presented findings to the board on Sept. 22, praising staff commitment and identifying structural recommendations for special‑education programming.

Dr. Pamela Adams, GSEA’s East Region program director, told trustees that the review included classroom walkthroughs, interviews and federal‑compliance data analysis. "Some of the strengths that we found were the investment in staff," she said, noting stable staffing and strong adult‑to‑student supports in many classrooms. The review also highlighted positive preschool placements and a lack of severe disproportionality in special‑education identification by race or ethnicity in the district’s compliance data.

GSEA’s recommendations concentrated on system improvements rather than individual students: establish a representative special‑education leadership team to set measurable goals and conduct program reviews; expand MTSS (multi‑tiered system of supports) consistency for reading, math and behavior to avoid over‑ or mis‑identification; formalize preschool transition protocols with outside agencies; increase disability‑specific classroom accommodations and visual supports; and provide job‑embedded coaching and professional development for co‑teaching and IEP practice.

The presenter recommended an accountability structure, shared online resources and an EC strategic plan that mirrors district goals. The report also suggested earlier transition planning for students at risk of dropping out and enhanced family engagement and training related to IEPs and graduation planning.

Superintendent Beck and board members thanked the review team. Board members asked staff to consider the recommendations and to use the report to guide professional development and cross‑district leadership development for special‑education staff.